Today, State Treasurer Brad Briner and Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced three new appointments to the board of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). Briner has appointed Ray Starling and Farley has appointed Mike Verlander and Zeb Hadley.
The mission of EDPNC is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians by recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting existing employers, assisting companies with international trade, counseling small businesses and startups and promoting North Carolina as a tourism destination.
Ray Starling serves as general counsel for the N.C. Chamber and president of the N.C. Chamber Legal Institute. His background in agriculture and public policy includes service as chief of staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and as principal agricultural advisor to the President of the United States. Starling also leads NC Ag Leads, a statewide strategic planning initiative for the future of North Carolina’s agriculture industry.
“Ray grew up on a farm here in North Carolina and carries those traditions and work ethic with him today,” said Briner. “He has a long history in public policy on both the state and federal level and understands how to assess and advise about regulations while encouraging smart development and growth. He will be an invaluable voice for the board.”
Mike Verlander is president of RCR Enterprises, LLC in Davidson County. In this role, he oversees a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning NASCAR racing, advanced manufacturing, engineering and high-performance technology, including RCR’s NASCAR race team, RCR Manufacturing Solutions, RCR Graphics, ECR Engines and Childress Technologies.
RCR Manufacturing Solutions provides precision machining, fabrication, engineering and manufacturing services, with a particular focus on aerospace, defense and military applications. ECR Engines specializes in the research, development and production of high-performance engines for NASCAR and other motorsports, while RCR Graphics provides vehicle wraps and commercial graphics. Childress Technologies produces high-performance valve springs for motorsports and other applications.
A 20-year veteran of the motorsports industry, Verlander previously served as president of Kyle Busch Motorsports and executive vice president of Stewart-Haas Racing.
Zeb Hadley is president and CEO of National Coatings Inc., overseeing its operations, financial performance and strategic growth. Under his leadership, the company has received numerous industry honors. Hadley has also been recognized by Triangle Business Journal as CEO of the Year, CFO of the Year, CIO of the Year and a 40 Under 40 honoree.
Hadley recently joined the board of directors of NextBoat Inc. as an independent director and serves as chair of the company’s Compensation Committee. He brings more than 20 years of experience founding, acquiring and scaling businesses, including growing National Coatings to approximately $39 million in annual revenue. Throughout his career, Hadley has founded and led multiple businesses, with a focus on strategic growth and operational performance.
“Mike and Zeb know what it takes to build businesses, lead teams and create opportunities,” Farley said. “They bring experience from two very different industries, along with a shared understanding that North Carolina’s economic success depends on its workforce. I’m confident they will help the EDPNC connect more workers and job creators with opportunities across our state.”
The three appointees will join Ben Teague, whom Briner previously appointed to the board. Their appointments take effect Oct. 3, 2026.
The 2026 state budget – ratified by the North Carolina General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Josh Stein – vested Farley and Briner with appointment authority for these EDPNC board positions.